NEW Earswick kept pace with Newsome Panthers at the top of the Pennine League division two with a 40-2 thrashing of Liversedge.

It was a fine display by the All Blacks, who played some tremendous rugby in torrid, windy conditions.

The only black mark for the York side was the sending-off of second half substitute Jamie Daniel, whose comeback was short-lived as he was red-carded along with the Liversedge centre for fighting in an off-the-ball incident just before the hour.

By then, the game was virtually over as a contest with All Blacks surging into a 20-2 half-time lead.

They had gone in front when, after much pressure, man of the match prop Eddie Keeping went over, with Dave Carling converting.

The visitors' only points then came from a penalty before the outstanding Carl Pallister dummied and sent centre Steve Perks over to increase the lead.

Pallister then combined with cousin Alan Pallister for the latter to cross and, bang on half-time, quick thinking scrum-half Ben Jones, realising there were only seconds left, kicked straight from a scrum ten yards out to regather and touch down, Carl Pallister goaling.

The second half saw much of the same, with Jamie Rhodes getting the ball re-rolling with a try. Full-back Carling converted and, after the red cards, beat three men in a superb 30-yard break to cross under the posts, Carl Pallister goaling.

Jones raced home for an individual 60-yard try straight from a scrum and Chris Judge finished the scoring from Carl Pallister's pass.

Division four leaders York Acorn 'A' won a crucial top-of-the-table clash when triumphing 6-2 at Thornton.

However, Selby Warriors' title hopes in division five took a knock as they lost 40-26 at home to Wetherby Bulldogs.

Selby remain top but third-placed Wetherby closed the gap and second-placed Bank Top Harriers, who have a 100 per cent record, could go clear if they win their games in hand.

York Groves' game at Keighley Albion 'A' was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Heworth 'A' were no match for leaders Oulton Raiders 'A' in their Yorkshire League division three match at Elmpark Way, going down 38-4.

The well-drilled visitors had a strong wind in their favour in the first half and built a commanding 24-0 interval lead with some fast and exciting open rugby.

Although Heworth to a degree stuck to their task and were rewarded with a fine individual try by Nathan Witty after the break, they could not stop the rampant Raiders from cementing their victory with a further 14 points.

In a disappointing overall performance, the Villagers' hardest workers were Shaun Strickland, Adam Flint and Dave Varley.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, January 11, 2005